The opioid epidemic in 6 charts
Your guide to a public health crisis that's likely to get worse.
October 4, 2017
566
Health
How inherited fitness may affect breast cancer risk
Physical activity is considered an important way to lower risk for breast cancer. But what if your ability to be fit is…
October 3, 2017
563
After a disaster, contaminated floodwater can pose a threat for months to come
Natural disasters expose people to toxic gases, bacterial illness and other serious dangers. How can people maximize their…
October 3, 2017
554
How to talk to your kids about opioids
While talking about drugs with young people isn't always comfortable, research has shown that it's critical for…
October 2, 2017
604
Don't take opioids off the market - make it harder to abuse them
How can we fight the opioid epidemic? Redesign the drugs, rethink how we assess patients and mandate prescription monitoring.
October 1, 2017
589
How investing in public health could cure many health care problems
For a country that spends more than US$3 trillion on health care, we are still dealing with many chronic health problems.…
October 1, 2017
559
The real reason some people become addicted to drugs
Drug addiction isn't about bad habits, fear of withdrawal or a selfish search for pleasure. It's about the brain.
September 29, 2017
595
Healthy choices are neither good or bad; only thinking makes them so
Are healthy behaviors virtuous (and unhealthy ones sinful), or are they just like any other choice? Here's how we could…
September 27, 2017
610
Beyond bleach: Mold a long-term problem after flooding and disasters
Even when power is restored and floodwaters have receded after hurricanes, mold can still be a big problem. There are some…
September 27, 2017
806
Mexico’s road to recovery after quakes is far longer than it looks
Natural disasters are not only bad in the short term. Many families will see their health, well-being and ability to escape…
September 26, 2017
945
How the anal cancer epidemic in gay and bi HIV-positive men can be prevented
A new study shows that anal cancer, caused by the virus HPV, can be successfully fought in HIV-positive men by timely treatment…
September 26, 2017
782
Why your kids might be able to see better if they play outdoors more often
Kids need to play outside for a number of reasons, but there may even be benefit for their eyes. Here's how sunlight…
September 25, 2017
594
Opioid epidemic causing rise in hepatitis C infections and other serious illnesses
HIV, STIs and other dangerous infections are feeding off of the opioid epidemic, creating an even more complicated threat…
September 25, 2017
644
Just in time for your tailgate: How getting a drink can be dirty business
Bacteria are everywhere, even on your drink garnishes and ice. While most are not going to harm you, some can make you very…
September 25, 2017
640
An ethical dilemma for doctors: When is it OK to prescribe opioids?
If opioids prevent significant suffering, then the solution to the prescription opioid problem cannot simply be to stop…
September 24, 2017
560
Clock running out on health program for 9 million kids
Funding for the children's health insurance program is in jeopardy if Congress does not act by September 30. Here's…
September 21, 2017
586
How the latest effort to repeal Obamacare would affect millions
A Senate vote in July seemed to signal the end of efforts to kill the Affordable Care Act. With a Sept. 30 deadline looming,…
September 19, 2017
564
Rich American seniors are getting healthier, leaving the poor behind
More seniors are reporting good health in recent years, but gains are primarily among more advantaged groups.
September 18, 2017
588
Scientists are unraveling the mystery of your body's clock – and soon may be able to reset it
Whether you're a night owl or a morning lark. circadian rhythms control just about every aspect of your health.
September 17, 2017
601
How affirmative action could cure cancer and heart disease
Affirmative action programs at universities are under threat by the Trump administration. That could be especially damaging…
September 15, 2017
575